Running down the Redskins' dwindling backfield options

Ben Standig

03/18/2016

At some point the Redskins will add another running back and probably in free agency. Ben Standig looks at the options.

“We want big, tough, nasty, strong guys. I want this team when they go out – when you get done playing the Washington Redskins, you know you’re playing them. You’re going to feel it. I want those guys. We get late in the year and playoff runs and cold weather and nasty games and field conditions, you need to be able to run the football.” -- Scot McCloughan, April 2015

This quote from the Redskins general manager just ahead of the NFL Draft tipped me off to the notion that Brandon Scherff was a prime target. It also factors into nearly all my thinking when it comes to projecting moves in the draft and free agency. That includes the running game, which needs either a true alpha with Alfred Morris likely gone or at least a steady veteran to pair with promising kid Matt Jones and scatback Chris Thompson.

Could that mean adding grinder LeGarrette Blount? While the physical back indicated this month he hopes for a return to New England, the Patriots just added Donald Brown. That doesn't mean Blount is out, but until Bill Belichick says let's do this, who knows.

What about a low-key option in Minnesota's Matt Asiata? The 220-pounder found the end zone 10 times in 2014 and caught 63 passes over the last two season. Perhaps McCloughan views Jones as the thunder and seeks a lightning component capable of handling a starter's workload like Denver's Ronnie Hillman.

With James Starks and Chris Johnson finding homes, here are the best remaining options according to Scout.com's rankings:

There are options, but the list keeps getting smaller. McCloughan could pass altogether and wait on the draft for say Alabama's Derrick Henry or Arkansas' Alex Collins, but that would mean two kids at the top of the RB depth chart.

Plenty of decisions remain, except when it comes to what type of players McCloughan desires.

[UPDATE -- Asiata re-signed with the Vikings; Morris will reportedly visit with the Cowboys next week.]

Ben Standig is the Publisher of Breaking Burgundy. You can find him on Twitter @benstandig and on Google+